The pair hang out daily, chatting, cooking and playing with Norma’s cat, Hermes

Fans of the pair donated money to help move Norma into his apartment for her final days.

He said: “Being her best friend for the past four years, you create this bond, and then switching to being someone’s caregiver, well it becomes hard to disassociate the emotional bond you have with someone as you’re seeing them die in front of your eyes.”

He described his best friend as a “firecracker” who will comment on his clothes if she doesn’t like them, and is sassy and quick-witted.

I love her, she’s my best friend. I would do anything for her.

Chris Salvatore

Despite the age gap he hopes that their friendship will prove that age is just a number and will inspire others to reach out to neighbours as “you never know who could become your dearest friend.”

We previously covered a heartwarming story of a generous customer leaving a waiter a huge $500 tip as a reward for a random act of kindness the day before.

Last year, a homeless man was offered a day’s work by a group of painters after he was spotted asking around for change.